Resistance Training Cushion

ABSTRACT

A substantially rectangular, flexible foam-filled cushion, consists of three substantially rectangular, hingeably connected segments: a longest upper segment, which is configured to align with and support a user&#39;s upper torso, a shorter middle segment, which is configured to align with and support a user&#39;s pelvis/buttocks and upper legs, and a shortest lower segment, which is configured to align with and support a user&#39;s lower legs. From the top of the upper segment extends an elastic resistance cord. From the bottom of the lower segment extend two elastic resistance ankle straps and an elastic foot strap. The thickness and flexibility of the cushion are adapted to provide both resistance to bending of the cushion and support for the portion of the user&#39;s body engaged with the cushion during bending. Therefore, the cushion is adapted to play an active role in the exercise movements, along with its appended resistance bands. The cushion&#39;s ability to move cooperatively with the exercise movements is enhanced by the alignment of its hinges with the body&#39;s principal bending locations in the waist/lower back and knees.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of exercise equipment, and more particularly to exercise mats and cushions which incorporate multiple resistance straps and/or bands.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As the science of exercise and fitness regimens progresses, the role of core muscle strength in stabilizing the spine and preventing back injuries has become increasingly recognized as important. Development of isolated muscle groups can be counterproductive to overall balance and stability if opposing muscle groups are not developed in concert with one another.

Resistance training with elastic straps, bands and/or cords offers an alternative to classic weight training that is more attuned to balanced muscular development and is easier to practice outside an organized fitness facility. Since exercise mats or cushions are typical elements of abdominal and core training, it's advantageous to combine resistance straps/cords with mats/cushions in designing resistance training equipment and associated regimens.

Optionally, the cushion component of a resistance training system should serve more than just a motionless, passive function, but should instead be an active resistance component that moves with and conforms to the movements of the human body—at the same time offering resistance to movements and supporting body parts through the full range of their motions. The cushion component should also be adaptable to reciprocal movements which work opposing muscle groups. This kind of synergy between elastic resistance bands/cords and a supporting, active cushion is a central objective of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a substantially rectangular, flexible foam-filled cushion, which consists of three substantially rectangular, hingeably connected segments: a longest upper segment, which is configured to align with and support a user's upper torso, a shorter middle segment, which is configured to align with and support a user's pelvis/buttocks and upper legs, and a shortest lower segment, which is configured to align with and support a user's lower legs. From the top of the upper segment extends an elastic resistance cord. From the bottom of the lower segment extend two elastic resistance ankle straps and an elastic foot strap. The thickness and flexibility of the cushion are adapted to provide both resistance to bending of the cushion and support for the portion of the user's body engaged with the cushion during bending. Therefore, the cushion is adapted to play an active role in the exercise movements, along with its appended resistance bands. The cushion's ability to move cooperatively with the exercise movements is enhanced by the alignment of its hinges with the body's principal bending locations in the waist/lower back and knees.

The invention is adapted for alternative use with the cushion lying on the floor/ground or with the cushion attached to a straight-backed armless chair. In the latter configuration, the cushion is attached to the chair by a bungee cord, which passes around the junction of the chair's back and seat and also around the hinge between the upper and middle segments of the cushion.

In the seated configuration, the present invention is configured to be used to perform basic abdominal crunches, oblique crunches, serratus pulldowns, knee lifts, quadricep leg extensions, and hamstring curls. Abdominal crunches and knee lifts can also be done simultaneously. The active bending of the cushion during these exercises enables the user to simultaneously work opposing muscle groups, such as the abdominal and back muscles during the serratus pulldown.

In the floor/ground configuration, the invention is configured to be used to perform basic abdominal crunches, reverse crunches, oblique crunches, pelvic tilts, and “superman” lifts. Again, the active bending of the cushion during these exercises enables concurrent working of opposing muscle groups and strengthening of core muscle groups.

The present invention provides a flexible, yet resistive, proportionally segmented trifold cushion conforming to the curvatures of the back, abdominals and lower body during exercise. Cushion segments are proportioned to the lengths of the body areas they are meant to engage, and inter-segment hinges are aligned with body junctures/joints which bend during the relevant exercise movements.

The foregoing summarizes the general design features of the present invention. In the following sections, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in some detail. These specific embodiments are intended to demonstrate the feasibility of implementing the present invention in accordance with the general design features discussed above. Therefore, the detailed descriptions of these embodiments are offered for illustrative and exemplary purposes only, and they are not intended to limit the scope either of the foregoing summary description or of the claims which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention positioned on a floor;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention folded in its “carry mode”;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, positioned on the floor, being used to perform a basic abdominal crunch;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, positioned on the floor, being used to perform a reverse abdominal crunch;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, positioned on the floor, being used to perform a combination abdominal crunch;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, positioned on the floor, being used to perform an oblique twist;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, positioned on the floor, being used to perform a “superman” arch;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention being attached by a bungee to a chair;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention positioned on a chair;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, positioned on a chair, being used to perform a basic abdominal crunch;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, positioned on a chair, being used to perform a knee lift;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, positioned on a chair, being used to perform a combination abdominal crunch;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, positioned on a chair, being used to perform an oblique twist;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, positioned on a chair, being used to perform a serratus pulldown;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, positioned on a chair, being used to perform a leg extension; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, positioned on a chair, being used to perform a hamstring curl.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1, the exemplary preferred embodiment of the present invention 10 comprises a flexible, foam-filled cushion 11, having a trifold, hingeably segmented structure. The cushion 11 is configured to move cooperatively with a trainee's body and offer both resistance and support as the trainee performs one or more of multiple resistance training exercises.

The cushion's trifold structure is configured to conform to the proportions of the human anatomy, such that, during the trainee's performance of one or more of the resistance training exercises, the longest upper cushion segment 12 is adapted to align with and support the trainee's back and/or upper torso, while the shorter middle cushion segment 13 is adapted to align with and support the trainee's pelvis and/or buttocks, as well as the trainee's upper legs, and the shortest lower cushion segment 14 is adapted to align with and support the trainee's lower legs.

As depicted in FIG. 1, the upper cushion segment 12 is connected to the middle cushion segment by a first hinge member 21, and the middle cushion segment is connected to the lower cushion segment by a second hinge member 22. In the exemplary preferred embodiment 10, the hinge members 21 22 are stitched fabric seams between the foam-filled cushion segments, as are commonly found in segmented foam cushions.

The hinge members 21 22 are configured to align with and bend with the human body parts that bend during the resistance training exercises. Thus, the first hinge member 21 is configured to align with the trainee's lower back and waist, while the second hinge member 22 is configured to align with the trainee's knees.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the preferred embodiment 10 an elastic upper resistance cord 15 extends from the upper edge of the upper cushion segment 12. As will be illustrated in subsequent figures, this upper resistance cord is structural so as to be manually gripped by the trainee and stretched out by the extension of the trainee's arms during the performance of certain resistance training exercises.

As also depicted in FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment 10 has three lower resistance cords 16 that extend from lower edge of the lower cushion segment 14. These lower resistance cords 16 consist of an elastic foot strap 17, which extends between the two corners or the two sides of the lower cushion segment 14, and two elastic ankle traps 18, each of which extends from one of the corners or sides of the lower cushion segment 14. As will be illustrated in subsequent figures, these lower resistance cords are structured to be engaged by trainee's feet/ankles and stretched out by the extension of the trainee's legs during the performance of certain resistance training exercises.

The exemplary preferred embodiment 10 also includes a bungee cord 19, which is alternately used to attach to cushion 11 to a chair, as depicted in FIG. 10, or to retain the cushion in a folded-up configuration 20, as shown in FIG. 2, for convenient transport and/or storage.

FIG. 3 depicts the preferred embodiment 10 positioned on a floor and being used to perform a basic abdominal crunch exercise, for the upper abdominal muscles. In the course of this exercise, the upper cushion segment 12 aligns with the trainee's back. With the trainee's full arm's length extension of the upper resistance cord 15, the upper cushion segment 12 bends and curves congruously with the curvature of the trainee's back, thereby concurrently offering resistance to the trainee's upper abdominal muscles and support to the trainee's spine. At the same time, the first hinge member 21 aligns with and bends with the trainee's lower back and waist.

FIG. 4 depicts the preferred embodiment 10 on the floor and being used to perform a reverse crunch exercise, for the lower abdominal muscles. As this exercise is performed by the trainee, in response to the lifting of the legs in the ankle straps 18, the middle cushion segment 13 bends and curves congruously with the trainee's pelvis/buttocks area, thereby concurrently support that area and offering resistance to the trainee's lower abdominal muscles.

FIG. 5 illustrates a combination of the upper and lower abdominal crunches shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, respectively. In response to the concurrent stretching of the upper lower resistance cords 15 17, both the upper and middle cushion segments 12 13 bend and curve congruously with the trainee's back and pelvis/buttocks areas, respectively, thereby concurrently supporting these areas and offering resistance to the trainee's upper and lower abdominal muscles.

FIG. 6 illustrates an oblique twist for the oblique muscles, similar to the basic crunch, but with the upper resistance cord 15 pulled to the side instead of straight up. The sideward force exerted on the upper resistance cord 15 causes the upper cushion segment 12 to deform asymmetrically, thereby conforming to the asymmetric curvature of the trainee's upper body and providing concurrent support for the back and resistance to the targeted oblique muscles.

FIG. 7 depicts an advanced “superman” exercise for the lower back, in which the trainee simultaneously arches her upper body while raising her legs. The simultaneous tension on both the upper resistance cord 15 and the foot strap 17 causes a congruent arching of the entire cushion 11, conforming to the “superman” arch of the trainee's body. Concurrent resistance and support is thereby provided. Alternately, the trainee can perform either the upper body arch or the leg raise alone as an upper body or lower body “superman” arch, respectively.

FIG. 8 shows how the cushion 11 can be attached to a chair 23 by means of the bungee 19 wrapped around the first hinge member 21 and the junction of the chair's back and seat. (It should be understood that the type of chair depicted in FIGS. 8-16 is shown strictly for exemplary purposes and does not represent the preferred or optimal chair type to be used in connection with the present invention.) In FIG. 9, the trainee is positioned on the seated cushion 11 in preparation for a resistance training exercise. Her back is supported by the upper cushion segment 12. Her lower back/waist area is aligned with the first hinge member 21. Her pelvis/buttocks and upper legs are supported by the middle cushion segment 13. The bend of her knees is aligned with second hinge member 22, and her lower legs rest against the lower cushion segment 14.

FIGS. 10-16 illustrate the cushion 11 in its seated mode used to perform a basic crunch for the upper abdominals (FIG. 10), knee lifts for the lower abdominals and core muscles (FIG. 11), combination crunch for upper and lower abdominals (FIG. 12), oblique twist (FIG. 13), serratus pulldown (FIG. 14), leg extension for quadriceps (FIG. 15), and hamstring curl (FIG. 16). In each case, the tension on the upper and/or lower resistance cords 15 17 18, combined with the bending/arching of the trainee's body, serves to curve, bend and deform the flexible cushion segments 12 13 14 congruently with the body's movements, thereby providing both resistance and support.

In many of the resistance training exercises, the present invention 10 enables reciprocal movements that alternately work opposing muscle groups. For example, after each serratus pulldown (FIG. 14), the trainee arches her back to return to the upright position, thereby working the back muscles in opposition to the abdominals and facilitating balanced muscular development which averts injuries.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many additions, modifications and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the accompanying claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for performance of multiple resistance training exercises by a trainee, comprising: a substantially rectangular flexible cushion, comprising three substantially rectangular, hingeably connected, flexible cushion segments, consisting of a longest upper cushion segment, a shorter middle cushion segment, and a shortest lower cushion segment, wherein the upper cushion segment is configured and adapted to align with and support a back or upper torso of the trainee during a performance by the trainee of one or more of the resistance training exercises, and wherein the middle cushion segment is configured and adapted to align with and support a pelvis or buttocks and upper legs of the trainee during the trainee's performance of one or more of the resistance training exercises, and wherein the lower cushion segment is configured and adapted to align with and support lower legs of the trainee during the trainee's performance of one or more of the resistance training exercises; one or more elastic upper resistance cords, each of which extends from an upper edge of the upper cushion segment, wherein the upper resistance cords are configured and adapted to be manually stretched out by extension of one or both arms of the trainee during the trainee's performance of one or more of the resistance training exercises; and one or more elastic lower resistance cords, each of which extends from a lower edge or a side edge of the lower cushion segment, wherein the lower resistance cords are configured and adapted to engage or receive feet and/or ankles of the trainee and to be stretched out by extension or lifting of one or both legs of the trainee during the trainee's performance of one or more of the resistance training exercises.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upper cushion segment is connected to the middle cushion segment by a first hinge member, and wherein the middle cushion segment is connected to the lower cushion segment by a second hinge member, and wherein the first hinge member is configured and adapted to align with and bend with a waist and lower back of the trainee during the trainee's performance of one or more of the resistance training exercises, and wherein the second hinge member is configured and adapted to align with and bend with one or both knees of the trainee during the trainee's performance of one or more of the resistance training exercises.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the cushion has a thickness and a flexibility that are adapted to provide simultaneous resistance to bending of the cushion and support for one or more body parts of the trainee that are engaged with the cushion while the cushion is bending during the trainee's performance of one or more of the resistance training exercises.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the thickness and flexibility of the cushion are adapted to cause the cushion to move cooperatively with movements of the one or more body parts of the trainee that are engaged with the cushion during the trainee's performance of one or more of the resistance training exercises.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the thickness and flexibility of the cushion and forces exerted on the cushion by stretching of the upper resistance cords and/or the lower resistance cords combine, during the trainee's performance of one or more of the resistance training exercises, to exercise one or more core muscles of the trainee and to concurrently or alternately exercise two or more opposing muscles of the trainee.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the cushion is configured and adapted to be positioned, during the trainee's performance of one or more of the resistance training exercises, either resting on a floor or other flat surface, or supported on a chair having a substantially vertical chair back and a substantially horizontal chair seat, and wherein, when supported on the chair, the upper cushion segment rests against the chair back, the middle cushion segment rests upon the chair seat, and the lower cushion segment is suspended downward from the chair seat.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the cushion is removably attachable to the chair by a bungee cord, and wherein, when attached, the bungee cord wraps around and connects the first hinge member and a junction of the chair back with the chair seat.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the lower resistance cords comprise two ankle straps and a foot strap, and wherein each of the ankle straps extends from one of two opposite corners of the lower edge of the lower cushion segment, and wherein the foot strap extends from one corner of the lower edge of the lower cushion segment to an opposite corner of the lower edge of the lower cushion segment.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the lower resistance cords comprise two ankle straps and a foot strap, and wherein each of the ankle straps extends from a side edge of the lower cushion segment, and wherein the foot strap extends from a side edge of the lower cushion segment to an opposite side edge of the lower cushion segment.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the resistance training exercises comprise a basic abdominal crunch, a reverse abdominal crunch, a combined basic and reverse abdominal crunch, an oblique twist, an upper body “superman” arch, a lower body “superman” arch, a combined upper body and lower body “superman” arch, a knee lift, a serratus pulldown, a leg extension, and a hamstring curl.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the resistance training exercises comprise a basic abdominal crunch, a reverse abdominal crunch, a combined basic and reverse abdominal crunch, an oblique twist, an upper body “superman” arch, a lower body “superman” arch, a combined upper body and lower body “superman” arch, a knee lift, a serratus pulldown, a leg extension, and a hamstring curl. 